Buy Used Plastic Drums in Iowa
Available Listings in Iowa
3 Plastic Drums listings in Iowa.
Plastic Drums Prices in Iowa
Condition-level pricing for plastic drums in Iowa will appear here when current market data is available.
| Condition | Avg. Price | Available Qty | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current market data | Pending | Pending | Pending |
Use the full price index for broader market pricing while this condition breakdown updates. View full price index
About Iowa
#1 Supplier of Used Plastic Drums Across The State of Iowa
Save Money on Storage: Your Guide to Used Plastic Drums in Iowa
What you'll get from this guide: Learn how to buy quality used plastic drums in Iowa for 30-70% less than new ones. You'll find reliable suppliers, understand what to look for, and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Buy Used Plastic Drums?
You save serious money. A new 55-gallon drum costs $80-120. A used one costs $30-50. That's real savings, especially when you need several drums.
You also help the environment. Every used drum you buy keeps one out of a landfill.
What Are These Drums Good For?
Think of them as sturdy containers for:
Water storage for your farm or business
Dry goods like grain or pellets
Non-hazardous liquids
Rain water collection
Emergency storage
Where to Find Used Plastic Drums in Iowa
RePackify
Serves Des Moines and Sioux City
Offers 50-55 gallon plastic drums
Both food-grade and industrial types
Cleaned and tested before sale
Provides warranty
You can pick up locally or have them shipped
Local barrel suppliers
Check Cedar Rapids area for drum dealers
Many offer pickup services
Some specialize in reconditioning old drums
Industrial suppliers statewide
Look for companies that recondition containers
Often sell in bulk with better prices
May offer delivery across Iowa
Two Main Types: Food-Grade vs Industrial
Food-grade drums:
Safe for storing anything you might eat or drink
Cleaned to FDA standards
Cost a bit more but worth it for safety
Perfect for water storage or food products
Industrial drums:
May have held chemicals or solvents
Much cheaper option
Fine for non-food uses like storing fuel or chemicals
Not safe for food or drinking water
Sizes You'll Find
Most common is 55 gallons. That's about the size of a large trash can but much sturdier. You might also find:
30-gallon drums (smaller, easier to move)
15-gallon drums (compact for tight spaces)
What to Look For When Buying
Check the condition:
No cracks or dents
Lid fits tightly
Gaskets look good (the rubber seals)
Ask about cleaning:
How was it cleaned?
What did it hold before?
Do they guarantee it's clean?
Verify the grade:
Is it food-grade if you need that?
Can they prove it with paperwork?
Typical Prices
Single drum: $40-50
Buy 8 or more: $30-40 each
Food-grade costs $5-10 more than industrial
Shipping varies by distance
How to Buy Smart
Start simple:
Decide if you need food-grade or industrial
Count how many drums you need
Measure your space to confirm 55-gallon drums will fit
Get quotes:
Call at least two suppliers
Ask about bulk discounts
Confirm shipping costs upfront
Before you buy:
Ask what the drum held before
Get cleaning details in writing
Confirm return policy if there's a problem
The Buying Process Step by Step
Figure out your needs - Food-grade or industrial? How many drums?
Contact suppliers - Start with RePackify if you're near Des Moines or Sioux City
Ask the right questions - What did it hold? How was it cleaned? Any warranty?
Compare total costs - Include shipping in your comparison
Arrange pickup or delivery - Local pickup saves money
Inspect on arrival - Check for damage before accepting delivery
Red Flags to Avoid
Seller won't tell you what the drum held before
No cleaning process described
Price seems too good to be true
No way to inspect before buying
Seller has no business address or phone
Making Your Purchase Last
Once you buy your drums:
Store them out of direct sunlight
Keep lids tight to prevent contamination
Clean them yourself before first use
Check gaskets yearly and replace if needed
The Bottom Line
Used plastic drums offer real value if you buy smart. Start with a reputable supplier like RePackify, ask the right questions, and inspect before you buy. You'll get quality storage at a fraction of the cost of new drums.
Remember: the key is knowing what you need and buying from someone who stands behind their products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are standard plastic drum dimensions?
A 55-gallon HDPE drum is about 23.3" in diameter and 34.75" tall, slightly larger than the 22.5" x 33.5" steel drum, and weighs 20 to 28 lbs empty, roughly half a steel drum. A 30-gallon drum is 19" x 29" (13 to 16 lbs) and a 15-gallon drum 15" x 26" (8 to 10 lbs).
Are plastic drums chemical resistant?
HDPE resists most acids, bases, and salts and does not rust, which is why it is preferred over steel for corrosive liquids. It is not suitable for strong solvents or contents held continuously above about 120°F, where steel is the right drum, and tight-head HDPE drums are UV-stabilized for outdoor storage.
What is the difference between reconditioned and used plastic drums?
A reconditioned drum has been cleaned and inspected and can hold product again when the new contents are compatible with the prior fill; hazmat use still needs a valid UN marking from a DOT-certified reconditioner. A used drum is sold as-is, with prior contents disclosed when the seller knows them, and suits compatible reuse or feedstock for a reconditioner. Damaged drums go to HDPE recycling; grade says nothing about head type, so check the 2" bung tight-head or bolt-ring open-head separately.
Can a used plastic drum hold drinking water?
Only if it was food-grade to begin with, has been reconditioned, and carries the reconditioner's potable-water certification; a food-contact certificate alone does not approve drinking water. HDPE absorbs a fraction of what it holds, so a drum that held chemicals should not be reused for food or water regardless of cleaning; look for a 55-gallon drum whose listed prior contents were food or beverage.
How many plastic drums fit on a truck?
The same floor layout as steel: 104 empty drums single-tier on 26 drum pallets, 208 double-stacked, 200 or more loose. Filled with water a plastic drum is about 480 lbs, so roughly 90 reach the 45,000-lb payload, a few more than steel.